Wheel Gun

[neomedic]

Thinking of a getting a first wheel gun. Most likely to be used when going camping, thus protection from 4 legged creatures (bears, large cats, etc.) and self defense if the need arises.

For this use, does it mean I should only look at .44 magnum guns? If so, how long a barrel should the gun be (keeping in mind I want a balance of compactness since its for camping and hiking but should be accurate enough so that I don't have to wait to point blank range).

I was thinking about the S&W 629 w/ a 5" barrel. Can I get away with a 4" barrel? Something better?

Also...can I get the S&W 629 without the lock or will I need to find a used one?

Thanks.

[Army]

The larger the caliber, the more specialized it becomes. With a nice .357 Magnum, you can have protection and a gun for small game while camping. Plus, it's a lot cheaper and more fun to play with .38's than suffering the constant blast of full house magnum loads.

Also, it will be lighter for more comfortable all day carry.

[turbogg]

With a nice .357 Magnum, you can have protection and a gun for small game while camping. Plus, it's a lot cheaper and more fun to play with .38's than suffering the constant blast of full house magnum loads.

Also, it will be lighter for more comfortable all day carry.

.357 is a nice compromise. You can shoot the cheaper .38 stuff at the range all day long, and then load with the full magnum rounds when you need them.

[neomedic]

Will a .357 be good enough for a bear? Or will it be for small to medium game like large cats and the like?

[shooting4life]

If I had a bear outside my tent I woukd rather have a 44mag

[-hanko]

If I had a bear outside my tent I woukd rather have a 44mag

Wonderful.

Another bear thread.



-hanko

[Snapping Twig]

If you can support the cost of ammo to get comfortable with it, the .44 would be the right choice.

I'd get a 4", it's a good all around size and packs easily for what it is. Get a crossdraw holster. I like the Bianchi Cyclone 111.

Don't overlook the .45 colt as an option.

It can end anything that takes air and it isn't a magnum.

Consider that .44 special and .45 colt are quite similar, moving the same weight bullet the same speed.

So if you decide on the .44, you can get some cast reloads @ 900fps and have every confidence in a sure and certain level of protection without the magnum recoil.

[neomedic]

Wonderful.

Another bear thread.



-hanko

No so much as a bear thread as what I should use for self defense when camping that is good compromise for size and what will have a good chance of taking down large game if needed.

[oddjob]

Army is right on. With a .357 & 158 grn loads it should be adequate for your needs. Plus you can plink with lighter .38 sp loads too. I would go with a 4" barrel S&W such as a M-66.

[Helpful_Cub]

No so much as a bear thread as what I should use for self defense when camping that is good compromise for size and what will have a good chance of taking down large game if needed.

Call me crazy, but if you just need an animal self defense weapon; I would think that Bear Pepper Spray be lighter and much cheaper?

http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/grizzly/bear%20spray.pdf

[bjl333]

Call me crazy, but if you just need an animal self defense weapon; I would think that Bear Pepper Spray be lighter and much cheaper?

http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/...ar%20spray.pdf

COOLNESS !!! I didn't know these sprays are available !! Next time I am out in the woods I'll be sure to have these spray available .... You have just lightened my hip load by more then a pound. I'll be carrying a 66 2 1/2" instead of a 4" 29, and a bear mace !!

[FUBAR]

that pepper spray is good stuff on animals. works better than a handgun because just indirect contact will take the fight out of any bear. works good on humans as well.

[WaR_ClouD-VII]

Ruger GP100 in .357 magnum in a 4" Barrel is what I'd recommend. For the money it is a fantastic gun, and durability wise it'll be a gun that's handed down for generations no matter how much you abuse it. Turners has them on sale for $499 right now.

[RedFord150]

.41 Magnum Ruger Redhawk is worth looking at.
.45 Long Colt is another option.
If you want to go Single Action, the Ruger Blackhawk would be a good choice. It can be found in all of the calibers we are discussing and a lot of different barrel lengths. I think it is darn near impossible to break it.
I have fired .357 mag in a 4" barrel. I have only fired the larger calibers in much longer barrels. I am sure it can be managed, I just do not know how nasty the recoil is going to be.
Good luck.

[gorenut]

You should ask yourself, are you going to reload? If you reload ammo, go with .44mag. I personally don't reload so I went with the option most practical for my needs. .357mag. Practice with 38sp but have loads of .357mag in case I need em.

After that, it depends on how much you want to spend. All the new 627s have locks built in, so you'd have to get a used one if you want to avoid the lock. On top of that.. those go for a premium. If you have the money and want a 627, I say don't let the lock detour you. Its still well worth it. If I didn't get my 2022 recently, I'd get a 627 and I already own an Ruger GP100. Just having 8 shots of .357mag is badass. Its close to having the most fire power in a handgun for a regular CA civilian (legally). Nothing wrong with the GP100 and maybe for camping it might be better because you won't be worried about it getting scuffed up, its rugged as all hell... but S&W revolvers just have more refinement and I'd love to own a 627 myself.